BANGOR TOWNSHIP, MI — An upcoming fundraiser for Bay Area Housing Inc. isn't exactly an ironman contest, but the organization's "Indoor Triathlon" does give participants a chance to show off their skills in three contests: bowling, darts and pool.

The event, co-sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and Bay Lanes Bowling Center, takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Bay Lanes, 4243 N. Euclid Ave. in Bangor Township. Dinner is served at 6:15 p.m. and the games begin at 6:45 p.m.

Cost for the evening is $60 for each two-person team. To register, call 989-893-9292 or visit www.bahinc.org.

"Last year we had 16 teams," said Erin Riley, president and CEO of Bay Area Housing. "We're hoping for 25 or more this year. We had so much fun last year.

The games are played a little different than one might expect.

Bowling takes place over 10 lanes. Each person takes one shot and moves onto the next lane. The total number of pins knocked down at the end of 10 rolls is the total for the game. Strikes on the fifth and 10th lanes double the score.

Next up is darts. Each person throws 10 darts in a row. Points are tallied based on where the dart hits the board.

Last but not least is pool. Competitors have five minutes to make 10 shots. Points are tallied based on the numbers on the balls. For example, sink the 1, 15 and 8 ball, you get a total of 24 points.

Once the scores have been tallied the top eight teams go into a bracket style competition, going head to head until three teams come out on top.

The winning team takes home $300, with $200 for second and $100 for third place.

The idea for the competition is twofold: to raise money, but also raise awareness of what Bay Area Housing does for the community.

Last year, Riley said the fundraiser generated $1,000. She would like to see that jump to $4,000 this year.

Money raised goes into three programs offered by Bay Area Housing.

First time homeowners can apply for assistance for down payments and closing costs, while those facing foreclosure can take advantage of the foreclosure prevention program, which helps homeowners keep their home.

Bay Area Housing also offers the first-time homebuyer a primer on the process of buying a home.

"We talk about the different types of loans, (private mortgage insurance), what does that mean," said Riley. "Why they should use a real estate agent and a home inspector. We also do the budget so they know what they can afford and know what to expect from the process.

Money will also be raised at the fundraiser through the sale of 50/50 tickets, a raffle and a silent auction.

Riley says you don't have to have a partner to enter; just give organizers a call and they will do their best to find you a partner.